James Wharton MP

Being a candidate is quite challenging at the best of times, but the public mood is currently one of real anger at the whole political system (and understandably so).  We need a general election to restore faith in Parliament and MPs.  No other measure can achieve this.  David Cameron today launched a petition for an immedaite election, if you support this you can sign online:

http://www.conservatives.com/Campaigns/Sign_for_Change.aspx

Labour MPs do not want an election because of their own narrow personal interests, it is time to give people their say on how we are governed and the government needs to listen.

I joined local Conservatives to support their campaign for the coming Ingleby Barwick West by election.  Conservative candidate Kelvin Mirfin has lived in the ward for 14 years and has some great ideas for improving his community, as well as a real determination to see things improve for residents.  A number of residents I met raised the issue of why the by election has been called, expressing real anger with the political group who currently represent the area.  The Conservative campaign is not focusing on this but is instead looking at the opportunities for the future – this sort of positive campaigning is all too rare and a real credit to local party activists.

Earlier today I attended the opening of “The Gate” a new centre run by the excellent charity A Way Out.  The Gate, by the river in Stockton, will provide help and support to women and young people, particularly those struggling with drugs or prostitution.  A wide variety of people attended, from the Mayor to senior members of other voluntary organisations and Stockton Borough Council.  It was great to see such genuine support for the work the charity does and a good turnout to acknowledge all their good work.  I wish them every success and look forward to doing what I can to help over the coming years.

Today the Gazette covers the presentation of the petition for a new Secondary School on Ingleby Barwick.

I have supported the ongoing non-political campaigns for a new school over a number of years, along with IBIS Councillors, Town Councillors and local residents.  Anything that can be done to keep up the pressure on this issue is welcome and I hope that the petition (nearly 5000 signatures!) helps to move the campaign forward.

Yesterday I travelled up to Newcastle for an interview on the BBC North East Politics Show about the proposed Post Office part privitisation.  This is a controversial policy but I think most people acknowledge that something needs to be done to address the problems in the postal service.  Whether this particular solution is the correct one remains to be seen.  I fear that the government is now in such a mess that they will not be able to properly implement any such policy regardless.